Empty Homes Back on Market in Record Time » Housing » 24dash.com

A new scheme by Hyndburn Homes Repairs - the biggest direct works company in the area - has seen a 70% improvement in the time taken to bring an empty property back into use.

Hyndburn Homes Repairs is a subsidiary of Hyndburn Homes which has over 3,000 properties in the area and as pressure on waiting lists increase, both organisations wanted to ensure that empty or ‘void’ properties were back on the market as quickly as possible.

“The current housing crisis has seen demand for social housing significantly increase,” said David Cross for Hyndburn Homes Repairs. “It is imperative that our service is enhanced so that we can make sure we get homes ready for rental as fast as we can. In real terms we have reduced the average void turn around from 22 calendar days last year to 7 calendar days this year – an achievement of which we are very proud.”

The process saw the introduction of challenging timescales which were met by an almost immediate start on empty homes. Changes to the way materials were delivered and collected were instigated and keeping the sign off and inspection process in house made the process more efficient.

Residents were consulted with the introduction of a new resident involvement group, a Repairs Working Group, and other initiatives such as welcome packs for tenants and increased consultation between internal departments also helped.

“Hyndburn Homes is determined to become a model of excellence in the business,” said David Cross. “Ultimately this will provide secure employment for our staff as well as providing our customers with a quality service”